Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Senso-ji Temple
Rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, Senso-ji is the oldest temple
site in Tokyo and the capital's spiritual epicenter. The current temple,
dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, is a fireproof replica of an earlier
version built in 1692. One of the liveliest spots in the city, its grounds attract
throngs of visitors who come to pray inside its cavernous main hall with its
opulent, golden altar and priceless collection of 18th- and 19th-century votive
paintings. This religious sanctuary lies at the heart of a busy commercial and
entertainment district. Here, the murmur of chanting sutras, flickering candles,
and clouds of incense co-exist with a lively trade in religious souvenirs,
trinkets, and traditional foods.
Top 10 Features
1 The Thunder Gate
2 Niten-mon Gate
3 Asakusa Jinja
4 Nade Jizo
5 Incense Burner
6 Senso-ji Main Hall
7 Giant Straw Sandals
8 Denbo-in Garden
9 Benten Mound
0 Nakamise
Five-story pagoda in the
temple grounds
The temple grounds
can get crowded,
so be sure to make
an early start on
the sights.
!
The Thunder Gate
The gate is flanked by
two gods: Fujin and Raijin.
A red paper lantern with
the character for “thunder”
emblazoned across it hangs
above the gate
(below)
.
Combine a trip to the
temple with a river
cruise from
Azumbashi Bridge.
Grab an outside
table at one of
the many local
backstreet restau-
rants to the west
of the temple for
an early lunch.
#
Asakusa Jinja
At the entrance to
the 1649 shrine's main
hall sit protective lion-dog
statues, honoring two
men who found an image
of the goddess Kannon
in their fishing nets.
• Map R1
• 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
• 3844-1575
• Open 24 hrs
• www.senso-ji.jp
@
Niten-mon Gate
$
Nade Jizo
The 1618 ox-blood
colored gate on the
temple's east side is a
designated Important
Cultural Treasure. Its
restored pillars and
walls are covered
with votive papers
stuck there by
the faithful.
This bronze
bodhisattva statue
(left)
, a figure of
compassion, is
believed to relieve
ailments if you
rub the part of
its body that
troubles you.
10
The two fierce-looking meteorological deities flanking the Thunder
Gate are Fujin, god of the wind, and Raijin, god of thunder.
